Aug 2, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic (77) talks with team co-owner Jeanie Buss following a press conference announcing the signing of a 3-year, $165 million contract extension at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic's Honest Reaction to Lakers Trade Revealed

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the most shocking trade in the history of the NBA when they were able to bring in Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.

Just months after leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals, Doncic was sent packing. It was a move that changed the course of both franchises, and now Doncic has signed an extension with the Lakers.

Doncic thought he was going to stay in Dallas for his entire career. Recently, his honest feelings about the trade were revealed by Jeanie Buss in an interview.

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While appearing on a Slovenian radio show, Buss talked about Doncic's reaction when he learned about the trade.

"Nobody knew the trade was going to happen. I knew, but Luka didn't know. I've never had a player come to the Lakers & be as sad as he was because the trade was a huge surprise to him, so he had to process it. I think now he's embraced the Lakers and he's all about LA."

It makes sense that Doncic was sad when he learned about the trade. He loved the city of Dallas, and he had just led the team to the Finals. He was as shocked as anyone that he was on the move.

Doncic will likely spend the rest of his career trying to make the Mavericks regret this decision to trade him. The Lakers are certainly happy to have him on the roster for years to come.

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Luka Doncic will be with the Los Angeles Lakers for years to come

Doncic signed a three-year extension with the Lakers in the offseason, so he clearly wants to stay in Los Angeles. The team has already started to build the team around him, as well.

The Lakers will have a chance to win a championship as long as Doncic is on the roster. They have an increased chance to do that with LeBron James on the roster, as well, although they will only have him for a couple of more years.

After being traded to the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.